International Immunization Supply Chain Consultancy

UNICEF is a UN organization mandated by the UN General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. In Lao PDR, UNICEF is working with its partners to support the Government to realize children’s rights on survival, development, protection and participation.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, support

UNICEF in Vientiane, Lao PDR is looking for International Immunization Supply Chain Consultancy. The duration of this assignment is 3 months, starting as soon as possible. The consultant will be based in UNICEF Office in Vientiane.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

The consultant will be responsible to provide technical assistance for implementation of following tasks:

1. Technical Assistance to the Technical Working Group (TWG) on Supply Chain: The consultant will closely work with NIP and Supply Chain TWG group ensuring that the supply chain activities are being implemented as per plans like implementation and follow up of EVM IP and other supply chain activities as per EPI- Annual Operational Plan (AOP). While the consultant will not lead the activities independently, he/she will provide technical guidance on best practices, assist in identifying gaps, and provide expert insights into aligning SOPs with global standards. The consultant will closely work with National EPI Manager and will support to organize regular meetings on supply chain and working sessions with the TWG to review progress, discuss challenges, and plan the next steps. The consultant will be responsible for driving following activities:

a)   Technical Assistance for Implementation of EVM Improvement plans: NIP leads the implementation of EVM IP with support of UNICEF and other TWG members. By Q3 2024, NIP has already implemented 33% of the activities, 19% of the activities are on track, 25% are delayed and 23% have not started (these 23% are the activities due in 2025-2026). The consultant will work closely with NIP and provide technical assistance to fast track the implementation of the ongoing EVM IP activities focusing on the activities which are on track and delayed. The implementation of activities requires day to day follow up and support to NIP. 

b)   Technical Assistance on Vaccine Management: Provide Technical assistance and expert feedback/ review of vaccine management SOPs to the TWG-supply chain group. Provide expert advice to TWG on selection of appropriate LMIS tools, pros, and cons relevant to the context and sustainability. Reflect global best practices while being practical for the context of Laos. Support NIP in the development of a robust and sustainable vaccine distribution plan.

c)   Technical Assistance for cold chain management and SOPs: Closely work with UNICEFs National Supply Chain consultant and TWG group and support drafting the SOPs focusing CCE repair and maintenance. The SOPs should be precise and clearly indicate action points for all levels of government functionary in-case of CCE malfunctions and response mechanism. Work with NIP and develop annual supportive supervision plan for cold chain monitoring including revision of checklists.

 

2. Technical Assistance to Improve Monthly Stock Reporting in DHIS2:  Review the current process of vaccine stock reporting in DHIS2, focusing on data accuracy, timeliness, and completeness. Conduct assessment of Current reporting practices; Analysis of reported data in DHIS2; Identification of challenges in monthly reporting; Comparison of performance across past months; Develop recommendations for improving monthly reporting; Develop an action plan for implementing the recommendations to enhance monthly vaccine stock reporting in DHIS2.

3. Assessment and Phased Implementation Plan for Remote Temperature Monitoring Devices (RTMD): a) Evaluate the current state of temperature monitoring across the vaccine supply chain and determine the necessity of introducing RTMD at different levels; b) Identify and list the key challenges in introducing RTMD technology at each level of the supply chain, considering both technical and operational factors; c) Develop a comprehensive phased plan for introducing RTMD technology across the vaccine supply chain, considering the priority needs of each level; d) Develop a framework for monitoring the effectiveness of RTMDs once they are deployed and ensuring ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting.

The applicant is expected to submit a high-quality technical proposal indicating his/her approach and meth